After several more trades, Silas managed to sell the two captured Pokémon, earning about ₽140,000 Pokédollars.
"That price is a little high… maybe they're intentionally taking care of me?" he thought.
Of course, it could also be because the Great Shark had lost so many Pokémon in the last battle. Everyone was desperate to rebuild their teams. But whatever the reason, Silas didn't care. His small treasury had grown again ,now nearly ₽440,000 Pokédollars, enough to buy even a starter Pokémon from the League if the chance ever came.
Later, some breeders' notes were exchanged as well. Because they could be copied, the price was low. Silas picked up a few out of curiosity.
Flipping through them, he frowned. 'Messy, half speculation… they can't compare to the Pokémon League's official training manuals.'
Even as just a novice apprentice, his vision already outstripped the average pirate.
The meeting ended, and Silas returned to his quarters, thumbing through the scattered pages. Knowledge is the ladder of human progress.
....
By noon, the mess hall felt empty. After the brutal losses, only just over a hundred crew remained. Many pirates spent their spoils recklessly on food and drink, laughing too loud, trying to bury the shadows of last night's carnage.
Then—
Clack… clack…
Footsteps echoed as Captain Mira entered.
"Crew members," she said firmly, her voice sharp as steel despite her elegance. "I am your new captain."
Even the most ferocious pirates lowered their heads.
"Captain Mira!"
"Greetings, Captain!"
"Good afternoon, Captain Mira."
Her gaze swept the room. For a brief moment, her eyes lingered on Silas, who sat quietly in the corner, before moving on.
"There are two announcements today. First: the resources seized from yesterday's battle have been tallied. The allocation notice has been posted by the exit."
Excited whispers broke out. The opposing crew had been nearly equal in power the loot promised to be substantial.
"Silence!" Mira's cold shout cut through the noise. The mess hall instantly quieted.
"The second matter: our numbers are thin. Until we dock, you will all bear additional duties. When we next reach land, I will see to recruiting replacements."
At that, many of the ship's elites shifted uncomfortably. One thought burned in their minds: When will she announce the new first mate?
Among them, Gutian's heart pounded hardest. He was already one of the strongest aboard, and had even won favor by befriending Silas. In his mind, the position was as good as his.
But Mira said nothing further. Instead, as she turned to leave, her eyes found Silas again.
"Silas," she called, "come with me."
Dozens of eyes followed. He stood calmly, only pausing to give Gutian a small, subtle nod before following after her.
.....
The corridor was dim, the air thick with salt and tar. Silas trailed Mira until they reached the conference room. She pushed open the door.
His breath caught.
"Oh my…!"
The long table inside was piled high — stacks of Pokédollars, rows of Poké Balls. Silas's heart raced. His eyes gleamed despite reminding himself.
"So much… at least tens of millions. And those Poké Balls are all captured Pokémon?" he blurted, forgetting his usual caution.
Mira's lips curved in amusement. She didn't scold him. She walked forward gracefully, picked up a stack of bills, and inhaled deeply.
"The sweet scent of money…" she murmured. Then she turned and held out two stacks. "Silas. This portion is yours."
He accepted with both hands, bowing deeply. Just the weight told him it was no less than ₽1,000,000 Pokédollars.
"Thank you, Teacher," he said.
Her eyes flickered at the change in title. For a moment she studied him this boy who bowed with such earnestness.
"You have talent," she said slowly. "Your memory, your instincts , these are what make a true breeder."
Then her gaze sharpened. "But you must choose wisely. Will you devote yourself to becoming a powerful Trainer… or an excellent Breeder?"
Silas lowered his head quickly, though his voice was firm. "Since you call me a genius, then I must live up to it. I will walk both paths. Trainer and Breeder. As your student, I will carve your teachings into my heart."
Mira froze. For just a second, his face overlapped with a memory - the child she had lost long ago. Her chest tightened, then softened.
"You little rascal," she chuckled. "So smooth with your words. Very well. From today, you are not my apprentice - you are my student."
Silas immediately fell to his knees and bowed low. "This student greets his teacher!"
She reached for the shelf, pulling out a weathered notebook. The pages curled with age, the script delicate and elegant. "This is my personal study journal. Take it as your initiation gift. Study it well and one day, you must surpass even me."
Silas held it as though it were treasure. "Yes, Teacher!"
The two spoke for a long time after about many things like training difficulties, about feeding plans, about strategies in battle. Mira answered them all, the bond between teacher and student growing rapidly, as though stitched by fate.
Later, when he left, Mira sat alone on the bench, hand resting gently on her brow. Her voice dropped to a murmur.
"Gutian… you may still have your use. Perhaps I should keep you close."
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(End of chapter)